5 Smartest NFL Franchises

Over the course of the years, numerous NFL franchises have shown periods of greatness due to wise decision-making and team building on behalf of the organization. These are teams like the Denver Broncos in the late '90s, the Dallas Cowboys in the early '90’s, and the San Francisco 49ers in the '80s.

In more recent years, five franchises whose organizations’ intelligent decision-making have really shined include the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. If not for Bountygate, the New Orleans Saints would have likely made this list as well.

Within the last five to 10 years, these are all teams that have made smart business moves including good coaching hires, wise draft picks and commendable acquisitions, which have allowed their teams to consistently be in the playoff hunt.

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